During WWII the British Government had a keen eye on the supply of tobacco, milk, sugar, coffee and tea (of course). These were more essential for moral than many other goods - a Brit can do without a home (and sleep in the subway), but he needs his fags and tea with creme to carry on!
Isn’t it strange that in the most catastrophic situations the lack of little things annoy us more than the loss of King or Country?
In the USA in World War II nylons for women were priceless, almost impossible to be had. I think little things can be very important in helping one take their mind off their problems. Also if you are used to having something every day it can be quite a shock to have to learn to do without it. I think what would bother me more than anything would be the loss of coffee, cigarettes and a hot bath. Oh and my spices for cooking.
needless things are the glue in your life. connecting the different worlds and point of views and brains you suffer of.
because you don’t need them in the end. but it is your own little luxury.
a teabag, stockings, a phone, a bathtub, a flat-rate, a cat, a brick, a sponge, some shoes, certain books, a brain, e.g. - nothing you really need to survive. but it calms you down. it is something you need to survive.
and sure - you can live without it.
@staticbrain: Isn’t it funny how we measure the quality of life by the small things? 
@zoee: You are right - some stuff we need for basic survival, some stuff for our ego to feel “real” or “happy”. In our modern societies we are far beyond basic needs and our egos are very much used to a huge variety of pleasures, gadgets and tidbits for our daily amusement and pleasure.
No fakes and no insults please. Thanks!